Luke
stu-kicks
CibbuanoTraffic
January 13th 2007 11:14
Meticulously researched, and filmed in a striking yet unobstrusive doco-style, 'Traffic' offers a multi-layered and thorough view of the 'war on the drugs' as fought in the U.S. and Mexico. Through the inspired use of different coloured filters we're presented the home front (Washington), the front line (the Mexico-U.S. border) and the other side (Mexico) in this 'war', and a varied array of characters and plot strands are concisely and expertly interwoven to present as full a picture as any film could possibly get on a subject as complicated as the drugs trade.
The aforementioned doco-style helps reinforce the equal importance placed on each of the 'sub'-plots - the newly appointed Drugs Minister and his coming face-to-face with drugs in his own home, the wife of a drug baron learning of her husband's business, a Mexican cop descending into the corrupt world of his superiors, and the capture and protection of a potential informant by two American police officers. The various threads cross over as the film progresses, and, don't fret, a satisfactory degree of closure is given by the film's end despite the subject matter's seemingly unsolvable problems.
Director Steve Soderbergh is in fine form, using minimal music and clear hand-held camera work to ensure we're never too distracted from the story. There's a war motif that runs right through the story, but it's refined just enough to not become annoying. Sure, the film is obviously subjective in it's views on drugs, and some have criticised it for this. Whilst I don't think it ever descends into 'preachiness' (it's made clear that Catherine Zeta-Jones' character's choices are made for the sake of her children) it's impossible for anything to be subjective, so it's somewhat stupid to bash a film for having a discernible stance on something.
The cast is good, as expected, especially Benicio Del Toro as the only honest cop in Mexico, and Erika Christensen as the senator's daughter. It was good to see Don Cheadle and Luis Guzman re-teamed after 'Boogie Nights' as partners in policework, and the various character actors who flesh out the smaller parts (Miguel Ferrer, et al) are all bright enough to draw our attention whenever they appear.
Usually I sum up how I feel about a film at the end of my review, but I kinda did it at the beginning this time. There are only so many times I can say 'this is good' before I feel like I'm really starting to repeat myself, so just go watch it if you haven’t already seen it, alright?
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Comment by JohnDoe
Film & TV on DVD
Steven Gaghan's screenplay is bold and manages to contol all th theads, the acting and cinematography are exceptional.
Another fine choice Luke
Comment by Black Warrior
Comment by Luke
Old Movies
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Comment by Black Warrior
People like you make me feel so embarrassed about myself coz it makes me realize how many good films I havent seen and how many more I need to watch lol!
Comment by Luke
Old Movies
Cane Toad Warrior
Comment by JohnDoe
Film & TV on DVD
Mow back to my chronically unhealthy cinematic addictioin, trust me when i say it was at great sacrifice to my career, finances and well being.....I have had to tone it down in the last 12 months and it is hurting. There are still a few from last year I haven't seen, though most are wild cards (EG: Miami Vice) and i dont watch everything that comes my way anymore so loads of movies I dont bother with (EG; Sequels to lousy originals) ...The older I get the more about quality it becomes, scary shit....i feel old....I just cant sit through bad filmmaking anymore..I used to like seeing mindless drivel so I could rant and rave about it, scene specifically..Its all subjective anyway...
Thought it was time I shared, feel I know you from reading your reviews.
keep up the good work my fellow cinephile
Comment by Luke
Old Movies
Cane Toad Warrior
I feel bad because I've only seen three films that were released this year. I keep telling myself I'll catch up, but I don't know when that'll be. Working three to four jobs has taken it's toll on my film-watching time.
Comment by JohnDoe
Film & TV on DVD
Once I get around to putting a blog roll up on my site you will be included...
Work has slowed my watching considerably, though the jobs aren't bad I still miss going to the cinema. Most of the time i see the latest releases on DVD screener after they are on the bigscreen....been trying to see Casino Royale ever since it was released...working hard though to go through the looking glass and work on the otherside of the celluloid mirror
Comment by Luke
Old Movies
Cane Toad Warrior
i hope you get through the looking glass. I'll definitely make an effort to watch anything you have a hand in making.
Comment by BlackWarrior
Sir I totally know what u mean! (by the way I call anyone who I think is an expert on movies or cricket sir out of respect) I watch movies even during exams lol!! I have an exam on the 30th and I havent studied anything yet nor am I studying anything now and guess why - Movies lol and therez still so much to catch up on!!
I wish the subject I was studying was movies and my studying involved watching movies all day and discussing them with experts like u and Luke and then have a career as a director or writer lol!!
Comment by Luke
Old Movies
Cane Toad Warrior